Cancer pain, a pending

Many Americans think oncologists are good at handling the pain of their patients. However, the majority is wrong when choosing the best treatment option and recognizes that the level of pain experienced by people they serve is still a major barrier to proper care .

So says a survey of about 600 oncologists by the Beth Israel Medical Center, New York (USA), whose results are published in the specialized Journal of Clinical Oncology and shows a lack of training these physicians for pain management and therefore calls for more efforts to form this group.

According to the author of this work Brenda Breuer, "these data suggest that, for over 20 years, the focus of cancer pain has not adequately addressed the perception of treatment barriers or limitations in knowledge about pain and practice within the cancer community. "

Poll

Oncologists who responded to this survey belonged to global centers to cancer hospitals and administration. On average, physicians rated their own ability to manage pain at 7 on a scale of 0 to 10. However, other oncologists said they were generally more conservative in their treatment. Thus, rated their training in pain management as good. The survey also suggested two scenarios devised by the authors of the study, a patient in pain, despite receiving a relatively high dose of opioids, including morphine.

These oncologists were asked if they increase the dose, change the medication or add a new drug. The correct answer, according to specialists in pain, including fast-acting drugs added to the original scheme or make small increases in daily dose of the drug. However, the majority dismissed the correct answer , 60% in the first stage and 87% in the other issue, which required the physician to explain why an increase in opioid dose could be dangerous.

Physicians, generally agree that opioids would be the first choice of treatment for chronic pain of cancer and that its best use is to administer regular doses and only when the patient needs it. They say that the refusal to recognize that patients feel pain and to take strong pain medications is a barrier to provide them proper care .

Alcohol may increase breast cancer risk in adolescents

Again, the alcohol is noted for its damage to health. A study says that alcohol consumption among adolescents may increase their risk of breast cancer, especially if they have a family history of disease. Dr. Catherine Berkey, biostatistics in the Hospital Brigham and Women and the Harvard Medical School in Boston, has conducted research on risk factors of benign breast disease in children with family history of cancer of the breast. Their results are published in 'Cancer', Journal of the American Cancer Society . They found that among adolescents with a family history of breast cancer (or benign breast disease), there was a significant association between the amount of alcohol consumed and the risk of getting higher this type of breast disease. Young women whose mothers or aunts were diagnosed with breast cancer were more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with benign breast disease, compared with young women with no family history. Young women whose mothers were diagnosed with benign breast disease also were twice as likely to suffer.

From benign to cancer

More importantly, among adolescents with a mother, aunt or grandmother with breast cancer , the more alcohol consumed, the more likely they were to develop benign breast disease. "Our study suggests that adolescents with higher risk of developing breast cancer in light of their family history should be aware that avoiding alcohol can reduce the risk of developing benign breast disease, which can be accompanied by an increased risk of developing breast cancer, "says Dr. Berkey. Previous studies ( in older women) had shown that consumption of alcohol in adult women increases the risk of breast cancer. In Spain, the Ministry of Health, 66.5% of students of ESO in Spain (14 to 18) recognizes that you have ever consumed five or more drinks of alcohol within two hours , a pattern of consumption is defined as "binge". The Binge drinking is more prevalent in girls , a phenomenon that is emerging at this time.

6 ways to prevent cancer

Prevention is the key to staying healthy. Small adjustments to your daily habits can make the difference between live longer with more vitality free cancer.

Create a smoke-free zone. Although it may seem disgusting take a cigarette in his mouth, if you share with your health Smoking is at risk. The secondhand smoke is linked to lung cancer and recent research shows that third-hand smoke - a mixture of waste gases and snuff that stays in your clothes and furniture - can be harmful too. Do it provides. Create one rule that nobody can smoke in your car or home. Not only does the smoke smells horrible, but the chemical associated with third hand smoke can not aspire. Setting aside your furniture is the only way to clean the air.

Take it with wisdom. Taking a rest on Friday Margaritas happy hour you can have more consequences than a hangover. Alcohol activates certain cell pathways that promote cancer progression and spread of breast and colon, according to research from the University Medical Center Rush. Do it provides. The women are limited to one drink - 5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer or 1 ½ ounces of liquor - or less per day. To be able to adhere to a healthy portion, use smaller cups and use a meter when mixing cocktails liquor.

Vela weight gain. 20% of cancer-related deaths in women are linked to overweight, which can increase both the cancer risk as likely to die from it. Being overweight causes the body to produce more estrogen, which can promote the growth of certain cancer cells in some women. Do it provides. Pay attention to your weight. A study by Harvard University found that adults of normal weight gained an average of 17 pounds in 20 years. And it's the little things that count: In four years, people who consumed an extra dose of chips gained 3.35 pounds and fries, 1.69 pounds, sugary drinks, 1 pound, the study found. Try eating healthier snacks.

Move for 30 minutes. Whether walking, hula-hoop or Zumba, try doing some cardiovascular exercise every day. The American Cancer Society recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise for 30 minutes at least five times a week to reduce the risk of cancer. Cardiovascular exercise lowers levels of estrogen, testosterone and insulin, factors that increase the risk for cancer. Do it provides. If half an hour seems much, divide your workout. Jump rope for five minutes in the morning, take a fast-paced walk for 10 minutes at lunch and ride a bike for 15 minutes during the afternoon.

Protect your skin. You know that daily sunscreen is a must - American women each year 30.000 are diagnosed with melanoma - the fatal form of skin cancer. Do it provides. To ensure you have the proper filter, check your mark with the database Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org), which contains safety ratings and results of more than 1,700 products. Protect yourself with at least SPF 30 every morning, if you're in direct sunlight, reapply with a dose of two tablespoons every two hours.

Eat well. Research suggests that consumption of phytochemicals in food can fight cancer from prevention to stop cellular changes blood flow in a cancerous tumor. Do it provides. As a general rule, try to eat 2 ½ cups of fruits and vegetables each day varied to obtain a mixture of antioxidants and phytochemicals in your diet. Eat mostly fish, chicken and beans, studies show that consuming more than 18 ounces of red meat per week may increase the risk of cancer of the colon and pancreas. Try to eat whole grains, fiber helps move waste through potential carcinogen your system quickly, which reduces the risk of colorectal cancer. Take tea which contains catechins, antioxidants that lower your risk of cancer.